2015 Theme:“Building Connections: Enhancing the Links between Communities and Trails”

• Preserving wilderness trails while introducing people to the magic of the outdoors• Ensuring healthy ecosystems within open space through sustainable trail design• Creating access and enhancing opportunities for trail use • Building stronger communities while promoting active and healthy lifestyles by connecting people and places through trails• Ensuring advocacy and protection of trails among the next generation of stewards• Reconnecting children to nature through trails• Improving the environmental and social health of communities through alternative transportation options• Boosting local economies through local desirability and the promotion of trails as a tourist attraction • Emphasizing regional thinking through community partnerships

PURPOSEThe California Trails & Greenways Conference provides trail professionals, advocates, volunteers and users with a venue for sharing practical, up-to-date trail management and advocacy skills; as well as a forum for networking and building support for accessible, inter-connected, and sustainable non-motorized trail systems. Since 1985, this investment of knowledge by California State Parks and the California Trails Conference Foundation has helped ensure trail stewardship and leadership for generations to come.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?Ninety-five percent of past participants said the conference met or exceeded their expectations. Attendees included representatives from public agencies (51%), trail advocacy organizations (38%), and trails-related businesses (9%). That’s proof that even in really tough budget years agencies and not-for-profit organizations find this training invaluable!

The California Trails and Greenways Conference Awards acknowledge and show appreciation for worthy individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses that, through their hard work, integrity and social responsibility, have made outstanding contributions to promote, enhance or expand public awareness and use of trails and greenways in California during the year.

GET INVOLVED!!The Conference happens because of you. Trail leaders from throughout the state contribute generously to our success and reap benefits for years to come. Don’t miss these opportunities to be more visible:Sponsoring the conference supports the trails community while promoting your business, non-profit or agency. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Emily Williams, Executive Director with the California Trails Conference Foundation: (530) 562-7224 or click on this link: Becoming A Sponsor.

For more information on the purpose and history of the California Trails & Greenways Conference, click here. For information on past conferences, including links to plenary and educational sessions, click here.